Heartless thugs vandalised scarecrows  made by families and children for a village festival.

They had been created for Little Lever and Darcy Lever Scarecrow Festival, designed to bring the community together and enjoy some traditional wholesome fun.

Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke has branded those responsible for destroying the fun creations as “mindless people”.

Cllr Sean Hornby has now called for a bigger police presence to tackle anti-social behaviour in the village and described the vandal attack as disgraceful.

He said: “Little Lever started doing the scarecrow festival last year, which ran perfectly with no problems.

“But there are a few youths that have no regard whatsoever for anything or anybody.

“Andrea has led on the Scarecrow Festival, and it’s good for the community.

The Bolton News: Little Lever and Darcy Lever Scarecrow Festival last yearLittle Lever and Darcy Lever Scarecrow Festival last year (Image: Councillor)

“So, it’s sad when somebody decides to do something like this.

“It’s appalling.”

Cllr Burke politely reminded parents to make sure their children were “respectful to people’s property”.

She expressed her frustration in a social media post after spending a lot of time putting the scarecrow festival together in the area.

She said: “It's so upsetting to know that a few scarecrows this year have been vandalised by mindless people.

“People have spent a lot of time and effort getting involved with the scarecrow festival and it's disgusting that people think it's okay to destroy them.

“If your youths are out and about, please ask them to be respectful to people's property.

“This makes we really sad.

“We are trying to do something together as a community and we have a handful of idiots that ruin it.”

Cllr Hornby also pointed to previous vandalism that had taken place in the memorial garden in the area only in March this year.

Many silhouettes of soldiers were destroyed, and poppies, outside the war memorial on the old Little Lever Library, were also defaced.

He said although they have been replaced, it isn’t the point.

He added: “We need a police presence in Little Lever.

“If anybody has got any information that would lead to them being arrested, then send it to us.

“This can be done anonymously, and we won’t mention who you are if you prefer.”

If anyone has any information email andreataylorburke@gmail.com or sean.hornby@bolton.gov.uk.

The scarecrow festival will continue until October 16 at 10am until 4pm each day, with more than 27 streets taking part.

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